HOISINGTON — Thursday morning, Great Bend, Hoisington and Ellinwood Chambers of Commerce held a joint coffee at the Hoisington Activity Center, leading up to an important announcement from the United Way of Central Kansas. The gathering was visited by representatives from both Senator Jerry Moran’s and Senator Pat Roberts’ offices, signaling the importance of the occasion.
Karen Van Brimmer is the chairman for the Hoisington United Fund, a local group that functions to distribute donations and memorials to several charitable Hoisington organizations. She announced the board’s decision to merge with the United Way of Central Kansas effective Aug. 1.
The Hoisington United Fund was incorporated in 1973, she said, and had experienced several ups and downs over the years. After a hiatus, it once again became active in the 1990s, but over the past couple of years it had begun to slow down again.
“I began noticing all of the great things the United Way of Central Kansas was accomplishing within its member organizations, and feeling Hoisington was missing out on something really good,” she said. “The Hoisington United Fund has been a small organization without the people to help the people of Hoisington, so now is the right time to pursue this merger.”
The organization contacted UWCK Executive Director Julie Bugner-Smith, and over a couple years, ironed out a plan that would be mutually beneficial.
“We are very excited about this merger,” Smith said. She also pointed out that while she is an employee of UWCK, Van Brimmer provided her service as a volunteer. Van Brimmer will continue serving the community as a UWCK board member. She was presented a service award.
USD 431 Superintendent Bill Lowry was also recognized for accepting Smith’s invitation to be a second Hoisington board member.
UWCK Board Vice President Desa Marmie Behr announced the 2017 fundraising campaign will be to raise $275,000. A USO themed kick-off party will be held in August.
UWCK Board Member Mark Mingenback noted that many board members are considerably younger than himself, and that is because the organization is working hard on generational transition.
“This merger is a tipping point for the United Way of Central Kansas,” he said. “It has been sought for some time, and we are very excited this day has arrived.”
He then introduced James Lane, a representative from Sen. Pat Roberts office, and Margaret Gabelmann, a representative from Sen. Jerry Moran’s office. Their attendance signaled both senators’ convictions about the importance of the United Way, Mingenback said.
Jonathan Mitchell, representing the Hoisington Council on Aging, asked Van Brimmer if contributors to the Hoisington United Fund could continue to support Hoisington agencies through the UWCK after the merger was complete. Van Brimmer and Smith both answered in the affirmative.
“The more we do together, the better for everybody,” Smith said.
“It’s going to be one big happy family,” Van Brimmer added.